Last year I showed many of you how I make my own powdered laundry soap; The last few months I have been using an overabundance of SoapNuts I got late last fall (for almost free) – I have about a half of a bag left, once they are out I’ll make a new batch of this. I love SoapNuts as well.
Some of you may already make your own laundry soap…….some of you may be laundry soap snobs (like my husband..) – this works fine for us. Do understand that it does not have the sudsing agents that Tide does, so it won’t suds up – but that does not mean that it doesn’t clean…..
Powdered Laundry Soap
- 2 cups Soap (finely grated – you can use Ivory, Zote, Fels Naptha, or Castile soap)
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 1 cup Borax
- Pan (or Big Bowl), Measuring Cup, and Grater.
Step by Step
- Grate the soap and put in a bowl.
- Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
- Use 2 tablespoons per full load
I recommend using real soap and not detergent beauty bars with added free oils. (ex. Dove, etc). Body Wash is a no-go — try to stick with Ivory or Fels – they sell Fels at Fry’s or Walmart
Homemade detergent is low-sudsing, which is important for HE machines. I have successfully used both the liquid and the powder form in my HE, and had no issues, but then again, I’m no expert.
This detergent does not hold the same commercial sudsing agents that Tide does…. keep that in mind. Homemade detergents are low sudsing, you won’t see many suds in the wash. No worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean
Lastly, one thing to remember is that Washing Soda is not the same as Baking Soda – washing soda is a highly alkaline chemical compound which can be used to remove stubborn stains from laundry – and also perform cleanup jobs around your home. It’s also known as sodium carbonate. You can find it in your local grocer – in a yellow box, with the words “Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.
I have made the liquid form as well – though with a 12 mo old around my house I feel better having the detergent in powder form.
HUM Im am wonder how it will do with sensitive skin
that’s why I do homemade, we have Eczema :(
Do you have a recipe for homemade liquid detergent?
Sure do :)
http://t.co/iPZ33Cks – it’s a google doc ;)
I went to Walmart, Home Depot & Target and couldn’t find the washing soda!! Where did you find your washing soda? Thx Becky
Only at Fry’s – sorry — I should have said that! Target used to carry it……..but for some reason both of them (my Targets) dont have it. Fry’s has it for $3.49. I used overage from Breathe Right to buy it!
When I click on that link, it takes me back to your homepage lol
Try this:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18Pt_epQsHRLIDXr5XoR6xQJdyJLMTFSRmp-NhjTTyHg/edit
I saw that my Walmart carried the Zote soap flakes. Can I use those instead of grating I wonder? Would they melt or have the same consistency as the grated?
I know this is an old post so I hope you see this. You really don’t think the soap will wash off the grater?
What do you mean by wash off the grater